At every morning and midday meal, (dinner is traditionally not offered in Japanese Zen Buddhist monasteries), the Five Reflections are chanted:

First, let us reflect on our own work and the effort of those who brought

us this food.

Second, let us be aware of the quality of our deeds as we receive this meal.

Third, what is most essential is the quality of mindfullness, which helps us

transcend greed, anger, and delusion.

Fourth, we appreciate this food, which sustains the good health of our minds

and bodies.

Fifth, in order to continue our practice for all beings, we accept this offering.

Eido Shimano Roshi, Abbot and founder of the Catskill Dai Bosatsu Zendo, says "Cooking is not only the preparation of food but a practice of spirituality....The tenzo (cook) works in the kitchen as if it were a zendo....When the tenzo is good, the rest of the sesshin goes well. If he is sloppy, the other monks find it difficult to go on. Working behind closed doors in the kitchen , the tenzo himself remains inconspicuous, but his work is most conspicuous, most influential'

Before every meal, monks place food on a board that is passed down the tables. After the meal, this offering is taken outdoors and put at the feet of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The animals that live in the mountains around the monastery help themselves to this food. This offering symbolizes that we have all we need, and more.

Before eating, the monks chant: The first morsel is to destroy all evils